Student Organizations
The School of Information Sciences hosts a number of organizations for students that will provide you with opportunities to network, allow you to get to know your fellow students, and help you to boost your leadership/professional skills.
American Society for Information Science & Technology (ASIS&T)
SIS has a student chapter of the American Society for Information Science & Technology. Membership in this organization is open to all SIS students; however, there are dues that cover student membership in the national ASIS&T organization. Activities include participation in the ASIS&T mid-year and annual meetings and monthly meetings here at SIS, which include guest speakers on interesting topics, and tours of local facilities of interest. The goal of the organization is to foster professionalism among SIS students. ASIS&T's faculty advisor is Leanne Bowler.
Beta Phi Mu (BPM)
Beta Phi Mu, the library and information science honor society, was founded at the University of Illinois in 1948. Its motto, "Aliis inserviendo consumor," meaning "Consumed in the service of others," emphasizes the service aspects of the library and information science professions. Pi Chapter at the University of Pittsburgh School of Information Sciences is one of the more than 50 international chapters of Beta Phi Mu. Contact Person: Barbara Zaborowski
Diversity Student Organization (DSO)
The Diversity Student Organization (DSO) is an undergraduate and graduate student organization for students currently enrolled at the University of Pittsburgh pursuing degrees in Telecommunications, Information Science and Library and Information Science. Members of DSO:
- encourage the recruitment and retention of historically underrepresented groups within the iSchool at the University of Pittsburgh
- provide a network for current and incoming students that will address diversity concerns within the iSchool
- promote awareness of diversity concerns, recruitment, financial assistance, and orientation to the campus environment within iSchool Administration
The group meets throughout the year to share experiences, socialize, and to plan outreach activities. For more information contact [email protected] or check out our Facebook page.
Doctoral Guild
The Doctoral Guild is the student organization for all doctoral and Certificate of Advanced Study students. It functions as a forum for discussing and suggesting solutions for doctoral-student issues, providing doctoral-student representation on several SIS committees, initiating student-sponsored projects, and welcoming new doctoral and advanced-study students. They also sponsor several social events throughout the year. For more information about the Doctoral Guild contact [email protected].
Graduate & Professional Student Government (GPSG)
Graduate & Professional Student Government is the official umbrella organization for graduate and professional students at the University of Pittsburgh. The purpose of GPSG is to represent both the academic and non-academic interests of all graduate and professional students, and to provide student-initiated and student-controlled services. GPSG does not supplant graduate student organizations in departments or schools, but rather coordinates joint efforts, promotes communications among the schools, and provides a unified voice for graduate students to the University community. For more information contact GPSG at [email protected].
International Student Organization (ISO)
The International Students Organization (ISO) is comprised of students from around the world. They serve as a resource for newly-arrived international students, assisting them with housing information and acquainting them with the Pitt culture. For more information contact ISO at [email protected].
National Digital Stewardship Alliance (NDSA)
The NDSA at Pitt is a student chapter of the National Digital Stewardship Alliance. The group provides a forum for students interested in digital stewardship issues – collecting, preserving, and ensuring long-term access to digital content. This group hosts hands-on activities such as field trips, demonstrations, and guest lectures – all valuable opportunities for professional development and networking! Brian Beaton is the faculty advisor for the NDSA at Pitt group and you can learn more about the group at their blog, http://ndsaupitt.wordpress.com/.
Open Mind
A Forum for gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender concerns in the information profession, Open Mind's goals are 1) to make the School of Information Sciences a welcoming environment for gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered persons and their friends, families, colleagues, and coworkers, and 2) to provide informational resources on sexual orientation and related topics such as bibliographies, webliographies, and guest speakers. Open Mind's faculty advisor is Ellen Detlefsen. For more information contact Open Mind at [email protected].
School of Information Sciences Graduate Organization (SISGO)
All SIS graduate students are automatically members of the School of Information Sciences Graduate Organization (SISGO). Participation is optional. The purpose of SISGO is to represent SIS graduate students in the University community; to further the career and social interests of its members; to provide a formal channel of communication between students, faculty and administration; and to develop opportunities for professional growth by fostering contacts with local, regional, and national professional organizations. SISGO's faculty advisor is Michael Lewis. For more information contact SISGO at [email protected].
Society of American Archivists (SAA)
The University of Pittsburgh's Society of American Archivists Student Chapter is one of the earliest established student chapters affiliated with the Society of American Archivists, the flagship of professional organizations in the archives field. SAASC facilitates and encourages membership; provides a forum for discussion; acquaints members with the SAA; develops and encourages interaction with other student groups; and engages students with professional members of the archival community. SAASC's faculty advisor is Richard Cox. For more information, contact SAASC at [email protected]
Special Libraries Association (SLA)
The student chapter of Special Libraries Association (SLA) explores nontraditional avenues of librarianship. We seek to open avenues to special libraries, including but not limited to corporate, law, medical, health, art, and museum libraries. In an effort to maintain an understanding of the services provided within these libraries, SLA tours library facilities, requests professional speakers from libraries, and more. SLA student chapter provides support, networking, and leadership opportunities. SLA's faculty advisor is Kip Currier. For more information contact SLA at [email protected].
Student Chapter of the American Library Association (SCALA)
The Pittsburgh Student Chapter of the American Library Association is an affiliate of ALA, the world’s largest professional library association. The organization provides members access to a huge network of professionals and resources. SCALA sponsors professional development and social events, provides funding for conference participation, and serves to support the library student community through leadership and service opportunities.SCALA's faculty advisor is Elizabeth Mahoney. For more information contact SCALA at [email protected].
UNdergraduate Information Science OrgaNization (UNISON)
UNdergraduate Information Science OrgaNization represents the body of IS undergraduates. It is an active organization that offers information pertaining to the major by sponsoring workshops, speakers, and presentations. Undergrads are given a chance to develop leadership abilities to show initiative to potential employers. It lays the foundations for possible awards and scholarships for students with academic integrity and leadership qualities. UNISON is an excellent way to show participation in the university community. UNISON's faculty advisor is Bob Perkoski.
Women in Information Sciences (WIS)
Female students in the Information Sciences field face several challenges in their careers, such as accomplishing in a male dominated field and achieving a balance between personal and professional life. The purpose of the WIS shall be to build a support and advice network among female students to face these challenges successfully. The WIS' faculty advisor is Dr. Rosta Farzan.
